Shin Shiden

[Shin]

-- Name: Shin Shiden
-- Age: 26 -- Looks early twenties to late teens. (Doesn't age)
-- Day of Birth: December 25th
-- Day of Death: April 1st
-- Reborn: April 1st
-- Day of Death #2: June 3rd
-- Resurrected: October 31st
-- Race: Human (Lost Soul)
-- Sex: Male
-- Height: 5'6
-- Weight: 140 lbs.
-- Nationality: Cizok
-- Status: Reborn

-- Appearance:

*Artwork by Geoff Trebs. He did an amazing job on Shin and I thank him deeply.


-- Demeanor: The man that was known as 'The Tenken', once a mercenary known for his deadly blade, is no more. Shin once held the view that might made right, this however is no longer the case. Because of circumstance, mainly with the help of a man named Zach Kaiser, Shin no longer believes that. He recognizes his own fighting capabilities and does not use them to bully as he once did, instead he serves and protects when needed. He is of course still prideful of his abilities, a flaw that is as part of him as his Cizokian blood. He does not allow his pride to cloud his judgement but is willing to accept nearly any offer in a one on one duel. He has also let go of the traditional sense of honor that samurai have, and is often seen as having a 'loose' code of honor because at times he still follows the principles of Bushido and other times he seems to act on impulse.


.:. History .:.

-- Life: When Shin was born his father, a master of the Shiden style of fighting, wasted no time in teaching Shin the art of the sword and the code of Bushido. Before Shin could walk or even talk he went everywhere with his father, he would be present as his father trained his students or while his father had political debates with other samurai. Shin was of course familiar and well versed in the philosophy and classroom teachings of the Shiden Style and by the time he was ready to use a sword he already showed extreme brilliance and greatly surpassed his fellow classmates in intelligence and maturity. He was deemed a prodigy almost immediately after his first duel, in which he disarmed and knocked his Sifu unconscious with one Iaijutsu technique.

Things only got harder after his initial duel; he no longer trained with the other students. Instead Shin was forced to train one on one with his father day in and day out and often ended each day laying on his stomach with his father looming over him. At the age of sixteen Shin was sent to train under the monks in the near mountains, he returned two years later with the utmost calm about him. The next day he challenged his father to an open duel for all to view, Shin’s father was outraged at the thought that Shin had progressed so far within the past two years without his training, the mere thought that Shin thought of himself as an equal was absurd in Toryiamas eyes.

The two met on the open street and before any knew what had happened Shin was behind his father his sword still in its sheath. Shin had won the duel, his father dropped to his hands and knees as blood ran down his legs. Shin had moved faster then his father’s eyes could register and sliced the tendons behind the knees with such precision that it they were not destroyed, but would need many months to heal. Shin then stole his fathers katana, The Shiden Blade, and escaped from the Imperial City before the guards could apprehend him and took to a life on the run.

As he escaped the city he 'ran' into a young pink haird girl by the name of Eri, unfortanatley for her She too was labeled as the Thiefs accomplace and was forced to run with him. Over the course of a year the two traveled together, Shin taught Eri how to defend herself but constantly treated her like a second class citizen, similar to how his father trained him. Without warning when Shin awoke one morning he found himself alone and missing a shirt, he assumed that Eri had left in the middle of the night. Furious at first he vowed to kill her, but soon stopped careing and took life on as a mercenary. He joined a group known as the Black Company lead by a man called Tetsuo, Shin worked with the Black Company for five years but during a night near the uncharted territory the group was slaughtered, a handful survived and Shin once again found himself on his own.

He traveled for a couple years before running into a man named Zach Kaiser, only then, after loosing for the first time in many years Shin realized he still had much to learn. Zach taught him that just because you are stronger then someone doesn't give you the right to do what you want to them.

Shin traveled with Zach and Fenix on the borders of Cizok and Algeroth where they came into contact with a man named Remmy. A fight followed between Zach and Remmy after a few insults were traded, an impressive spectacle to behold but one that had drained the combatants of their strength. As they were inspecting Remmy and his wounds a shot rang through the crowd and pierced Shins lung effectively removing him from combat.

What followed after is still hazy to Shin because he continued to slip in and out of consciousness but what he is sure about is that Zach Kaiser took on an imperfect god, aided by a serum made by Sturm that multiplied his physical capabilities. Shin only recently remembered this fight and the events that lead up to it. He his is still working out the specifics of the fight and what happened to everyone during and after Theleaus's demise.

Shin came too in a forest several weeks after that battle, his memories of that fight and everyone he met there gone. While wandering he came upon Shades, creatures of shadow, attacking a town. He went to it's defense only to be assaulted by a man in a black cloak with purple trim, the Purple Enigma. The Enigma easily defeated Shin, but left him alive and with his pride injured. Shin angry at his own weakness began a long search for the Purple Enigma.

While searching Shin found and killed several more Enigmas, only to eventually become one himself, taking over the position his dear friend Exitus left behind, the Azure Enigma. Shin took on several missions for the Enigmas, but his term their was short. He turned his back on them and attacked the Pink Enigma, only to flee.

While searching Shin found and killed several more Enigmas, only to eventually become one himself, taking over the position his dear friend Exitus left behind, the Azure Enigma. Shin took on several missions for the Enigmas, but his term there was short. He turned his back on them and attacked the Pink Enigma, only to flee.

Shin entered the City of Shadows and found that his body was drawing chi in on itself, so much so that he was becoming a danger to those around him. Because of his body drawing Chi he began to have seizures, this caused Shin not only become physically ill but more mentally unstable as well.

Shin confronted Sturm, without abilities or a weapon, out where he could hurt no one in the event he exploded from his body drawing in too much chi. Shin was easily disabled by Sturm and while he was pinned under the Purple Enigmas was shot twice in the back and the tossed into what could only be described as an endless chasm, where he presumably died.


.:. Equipment .:.

-- Head: Enigma Hood
-- Torso: Enigma Coat
--Underclothes: White Gi Top
-- Legs: Enigma Coat
-- Underclothes: Blue Gi Pants
-- Right Arm: Black Enigma Gloves
-- Left Arm: Black Enigma Gloves
-- Feet: Boots/Sandals
-- Primary Weapon: Shiden Blade
-- Secondary Weapon: At times a second Katana
-- Primary Support Item: None at the moment

.:. Combat.:.
Shiden Blade

By Aes Kawa


-- Ranking
F: Poor
D: Learning
C: Proficient
B: Learned
A: Expert
S: Superior
M: Master
P: Perfect
G: Godly


-- The Shiden Style: < P > It is combined of several different elements the first and most important being the art of drawing the sword from the scabbard and attacking, often known as Iaijutsu. The Shiden Style also teaches the art of wielding two weapons at once, most commonly two katanas, but any curved Cizokian weapon can be used, finally the Shiden Style teaches Taijutsu should the user be disarmed. The Shiden Style is a precision-based martial combat, masters of the Shiden Style are able to place their blade exactly where they desire with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

Jagon eye: < B > Sometimes dubbed the "evil eye." This technique is a form of forceful and traumatic telepathy. The Jagon can trick each of the enemy's senses into fully believing that the illusions presented to them are real. Extremely powerful Jagon users can actually use the technique on themselves to forcefully enhance their bodies, and sometimes even allow them to see through the eyes of their enemy (only when using the Jagon on them)

Warriors Intuition: < -- > All true warriors possess some extra sense, an ability to tell when things aren't quite right. This isn't an ability Shin can control it is simply a fine razor edged sense that has been tested time and time again in battle, though when coupled with Shins speed and his ability to sense Chi it can seem to border on precognition.

Chi Absorption:< D > Before his second death Shin became a literal Chi vacuum, a black hole that absorbed his own Chi as well as the Chi around him. The inability to expel the gathered Chi would have eventually lead to a powerful explosion of cataclysmic proportions. With his resurrection Shin has not only maintained that ability but has learned how to control it. Shin must physically touch the person to absorb their Chi, unless he uses the Shiden blade, which is the only weapon the ability to extends to.

Chi: Shin can harness his own chi and the chi around him to perform several different techniques. Upon seeing someone else use Chi Shin has a good chance of being able to copy the ability over time.
--Sixth Sense:< S > Shin can feel the chi all living creatures, it has even been suggested that because of the earths natural Chi lines he is able to paint picture of his terrain based on chi and lack of chi in an area.
-- Shunpo:< B > By concentrating his energy into his feet, he propels himself in a straight line nearly instantaneously
-- Toku Ranpu:< C > Essentially a shield of chi that only lasts for a brief second.
-- ?????? :< D > Shin has no name for this technique, but he is able to transfer his own Chi into another willing person. Able to heal them slightly but more importantly renew their energy, effectivly giving them a 'second wind'.
-- Displacement:< F > Shin has only ever used this once against the Pink Enigma. The user concentrates their Chi into them then into the ground. The user teleports randomly to a large concentration of Chi, it leaves the user near death and completely unable to defend themselves. Shin does not fully understand this technique, making it extremely dangerous for him to use.


Also to be noted is that Shin is a very quick learner. Any Sword technique or Chi technique Shin sees he can duplicate over time, as is shown with his quick mastery over Shunpo. He does not possess the muscle memory technique his ancestors possess and still must practice what he saw before he can do it. Also, some techniques are just beyond his skill. This is especially true for many Chi abilities.

.:.Stats.:.
While we don't use the stat system anymore this is just to give an idea of what Shin is capable of. These are to be used so that other players and GM's have an idea of what to expect.

Strength: Despite his frame Shin is capable of lifting around two hundred fifty pounds.

Agility: Shin can barely be seen. Capable of moving through the ranks of an entire army and not a soul would be able to ,see him in time to react.

Vitality: Shin can take a beating, he can be knocked through brick walls take a bullet to the lungs and still fight effectively. He is still mortal though, and anything that can kill a normal person can still kill Shin.

Intelligence: Shin has had the upbringing of a Samurai and as such is very intelligent. In battle his true genius shines through, capable of dissecting entire fighting styles by watching, unravel the secrets behind techniques and apply them to combat. He also possesses a much higher awareness then others, capable of following insanely fast objects as well as incredibly keen ears. He is able to fight a person based solely on his other senses if he were to loose his sight as he has in the past.

Wisdom: Shins Willpower is incredibly strong and resilient against outside forces. In combat it is nearly impossible to break his willpower, however, in subtle conversation it is easy for someone skilled at twisting their words to bend him to their will.

>> Statistical breakdown

Strength — Speed — Vitality — Intelligence — Fighting skill — Special ability —

■■■□□□□ ■■■■■■■ ■■■■□□□ ■■■■■□□ ■■■■■■■ ■■■■■□□

.:.Contacts.:.
These are people Shin considers note worthy for one reason or another.

Toryiama Shiden: The true Tenken, Shins father, the man who trained Shin into the deadly warrior he is. Though, as far as Shin knows he is still a failure in his eyes. Shin respect him and resents him. His exact feelings towards Toryiama are something he is not sure about, as he has made it a purpose to not think about his father for the past couple years. "He was my Sensei before he was my father. He was always harsh and unforgiving, ruthless and uncaring. He is responsible for how skilled I am today, and because of that I owe him so much. He really seemed to ease up on me after that day at the bridge. I wonder what changed him?"

Ahiru Shiden: Shins mother. He loves her dearly, like all little boys love their mom. He hasn't seen her since the day he fled and he wonders about her constantly. "I could always count on her to make my day brighter. I miss her, I wonder what she is doing now days.

Eri Tetsuken: A girl that should have never been a part of Shin's life. He realizes now that he treated her wrong, and despite her obvious skill he can't but help feel slightly responsible for what she has become. "She was an innocent girl when I met her, I should have never gotten her involved."

--Sturm/Purple Enigma: Shin believes Sturm holds many more answers then he is leading on, though this is pure speculation. "He is the man that started all this from his involvement with the imperfect god, to the day in the forest and to the recovery of my memory. He has got to know something ... he has too."

--Exitus: The former Azure Enigma and one of very few people that Shin considers trust worthy. "My dear friend Exitus, he understands what I went through with the organization. I wonder what happened to him?"

--Zach Kaiser: Zach taught Shin that just because you have power doesn't mean you have to use it over others.
While it makes sense it's still hard for Shin to practice that philosophy. "He's a good guy, he got lucky with his magic. I know one thing, if we ever fight again he wont come out on top."

-- Fenix Black: Zachs protege, but someone Shin feels is trust worthy. "He's a good kid, I wonder what he is doing now and if he is still with Zach?"

.:.Time line.:.
A rough idea of Shins life in time line form.
0-16: During this time Shin lived with his mother and father, heavily training under his father in the Shiden Style.
16-18: Shin spent time with a small group of monks, it was with them he learned the secrets of Chi from.
18-19: Shin traveled with a girl named Eri, both of them living on the run. During this time he also began to train her in combat.
19-24: Shin lived his life as a mercenary, meeting and defeating many swordsmen and making the name 'Tenken' widely known and respected/feared within Cizok.
24-25: Wandered from town to town until he came up Zach Kaiser, and was defeated for the first time in almost ten years. During this time he also took part in the battle against an imperfect god, Thealus.
25-(present): Shin was working with an organization known as the Enigmas, but that didn't last very long. Now he is within Oblivion. (Refer to RP for further information.)

.:.Flaws.:.

Uncertainty: Shin is unsure about his current place in life, he doesn't know where he belongs.

[Shin]

(This is an in-depth look at the Shiden Style, more of an explanation for myself then anything. But I figured that I might as well toss it on his character page so everyone else can get a better understanding of it. Do note though that this information is strictly OOC, I mean, he's gone this long without people finding out the truth about it. However, if it leads to an interesting plot twist then so be it! )

At first glance the Shiden Style appears to be as in depth in its history and its philosophy as any other Kenjutsu Bushi. It stresses many of the same fundamentals and requires no less commitment and practice.

On the surface the Shiden Style can be traced back a full twenty one generations back to its supposed original master, a Tenku that taught Aoshi Shiden the first secrets to a style that was later renamed after the family that taught it. While there is no solid evidence for the story, it is an accepted fact that Aoshi Shiden was the founder of the school. His journeys were recorded and can be found in the Shiden personal library at their estates, as well as many detailed battles and stories of those that came after Aoshi.

The Shiden Style's many special techniques can also be found in many other different Kenjutsu's leading some martial artists to believe that at least a dozen forms of Kenjutsu were derived from the Shiden Style. Of course the masters of the style, the Shiden family does nothing dissuade these rumors as it only brings more prestige to their school.

However, the truth is the opposite from what the populace has been lead to believe. Through an intricate weave of lies and deceit the true history of the Shiden Style has been hidden and rewritten.

The Shiden Style is only four generations old, its creation came about because of Shin’s Great Great Grandfather, Shinto Shiden and his inability to distinguish himself as a master swordsmen. While skilled with in Kenjutsu Shinto was moderate at best, he was well versed in Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū but he did not possess a warrior’s intuition.

What Shinto failed to have in warrior spirit he made up by being a muscle mimic—he had the ability mimic the physical movements of others. He left his school in search of other schools that he could learn secrets of Kenjutsu from. Shinto succeeded all too well, he was not only able to infiltrate several different schools but managed to steal scrolls from several of them explaining the philosophy of their techniques and their beliefs behind the sword.

After nearly three decades of masquerading Shinto moved out of Cizok to practice what he had learned and stolen. Shinto had a family, a single son named Hanshi. Hanshi did learn the style his father was forming but rejected the way in which he was acquiring the style.

Hanshi proved useful in other ways to Shinto however, Hanshi possessed the same skill as his father but he applied it in a different way, Calligraphy. Hanshi excelled academically and with intensive study in history he was able to help his father forge original looking documents to trace the newly named Shiden Style back nearly twenty generations and because of Hanshi's skill he was able to forge documents with writing and brush strokes identical to philosophers and historians that had long since past.

With the combined effort of Shinto and Hanshi the Shiden Style was officially born. Time went on and Hanshi also had a son, Bennosuke, whom he placed under foster care of his father and the first student of the Shiden Style was born.

Like the men before him Bennosuke was also a muscle mimic and he not only received the benefit of teachings from his grandfather but he learned history and calligraphy from his father as well, the education made him comparable to a Samurai in knowledge and skill. Bennosuke made the style famous because of an internal war that ravaged the southern portions of Cicok, using the Shiden Style to dispatch his foes and earning him the first title of Tenken.

Bennosuke continued to broaden his horizions and expand the knowledge of the Shiden Style by traveling outside Cizok and learning of foreign styles of fighting, of Knights in plate armor and Barbarians of the North. When he returned to Cizok to settle down he brought with him something more valuable than either his father or grandfather’s teachings, experience.

Bennosuke formed the Shiden school and began to take on students and teach, he started his own family and had a son of his own as well as several daughters. He named his son Toriyama, who became the most famous of the Shiden Style practitioners.

Toriyama mastered his father’s teachings at an early age, and heavily incorporated Iaijutsu into the style, turning it into a very formal dueling style which in turn made it sought after by nobles who considered themselves above common battles. This brought in much wealth to the family and made the Shiden Style a dominant style in Cizok.

[Shin]

(The following are techniques that are part of the Shiden Style, as the style is constantly growing the list isn't static and is merely a list of the techniques that Shin has revealed.)

Shinsoku - This technique allows the user to accelerate instantly at close range surpassing their natural speed, but placing great stress on the body. This technique is generally not suitable or effective for more then a few steps because the human eye can then percieve the person moving and hence loses the effectivness of surprise.

Shukuchi - At full speed Shin is not visible to the naked eye he is so fast that it often confused as a form of teleportation, the techniques powerful footwork allows Shin to climb walls and run across ceilings giving Shins attacks an omni-directional approach.

Kenkaze - An incredibly fast Iaijutsu attack that is able to stike an opponent at a long distance via a strong air 'slash' or create a sickle and tornado effect at a closer foe placing thousands of small cuts all over the body.

Tsuchi Kai - The user swings his sword right above the ground. The pressure uplifts dirt and rock that flies in the direction of the slash.

Zantetsu - Not usually useable against an opponent because of the preperation needed to use the technique. If done correctly Zantetsu is capable of cutting through solid stone and steel, the amount the user can cut through is based purely on his skill and quality of blade.

Shun Shouten (Instant Death) - This is the ultimate technique of the Shiden Style, Shin is the creator and sole user of this technique. It combines Iaijutsu along with Shukuchi for a powerful near unavoidable strike. What makes this technique powerful is that Shin uses Shinsoku at the last moment, propelling him past the limits of Shukuchi for an Instentanous strike. The speed behind the attack is so swift that there isn't an instant even to feel the pain.


.:. The Katana .:.